Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation names 2014 winners

Italian winemaker Ecco Domani has named menswear line Timo Weiland, and womenswear labels Degen and Novis as the winners of its 2014 Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation award, which offers them financial support during fashion week. The three up-and-coming designers

will each receive a 25,000 dollar grant towards their catwalk show at New York Fashion Week this February. The trio will also be celebrated at an event on January 22, which will feature past Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation winner Joseph Altuzarra as guest speaker.

2014 marks the 13th edition of the fund, and in total, the wine maker has given 1.8 million dollars in support of emerging designers. Other past winners have included Zac Posen, Derek Lam, Proenza Schouler, Rodarte, Alexander Wang, Joseph Altuzarra and Prabal Gurung.

The aim of the foundation is to celebrate the “notion of style” where little things, just as much as grand gestures make all the difference. It was each designer’s “unique attention to detail” from hand-knitwear to hidden seams and re-interpreted vintage prints that influenced the panel’s decision.

Timo Weiland wins Ecco Domani fashion fund

Womenswear label Novis, founded by designer Jordana Warmflash impressed the judges with her “unique blend of uptown and downtown sensibilities”. Warmflash launched her label in 2012 and her focus is on constructing the perfect dress. The second womenswear label is Degen, a line featuring “quirky knits” by designer Lindsay Degen. Her debut collection launched in February 2012 and featured sweaters, dresses, leggings and even shoes.

The only menswear label to be recognised by the foundation is Timo Weiland, helmed by Timo Weiland, Alan Eckstein, and Donna Kang, who create pieces inspired by New York City and have become known for their romantic, yet modern edge to dandy downtown dressing.

"The Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation is one of the first and one of the most coveted emerging designer awards programs in the fashion industry," said Marylou Luther, editor of The International Fashion Syndicate and a judge for the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation. "This year's winners represent an exciting blend of backgrounds, influences and approaches that highlight the promise of today's young designers and complement an already impressive list of winners.”

Image: Timo Weiland - Timo Weiland, Alan Eckstein, and Donna Kang